Georgia
The Georgians have a saying … at the beginning of time when God was giving out land to the various nations of the world the Georgians were too busy drinking to attend. Arriving late, God was angry and asked why they had dishonoured him so; there was now no land left to give them.
But the Georgians replied that far from dishonouring God they were late simply because they were drinking to His health and this had taken quite some time. God was pleased by their answer and so gave them the tiny bit of land he had been keeping for himself.
Georgia is one of the most beautiful counties you are ever likely to visit. The Grand Caucasus Mountains that stretch all the way from the Black Sea coast to the shores of the Caspian are high and untamed with snowy peaks and lush green valleys that bloom in spring with a multitude of wild flowers. Eagles soar above the glaciers while wolves and bears stalk the forest floors. And among them live the Georgians, an independent race whose creed is giving and living with their delicious food and wine.
Our tours to Georgia and the wider Caucasus include many of the region’s most interesting cultural attractions " ancient cathedrals, crusader castles and cave towns " as well as some wonderful adventure walks and horse rides in the mountains.
You will stay in hotels, guesthouses and with local families, where you will experience firsthand the famous Georgian hospitality.
Although small, Georgia is a country that is rich in culture, has a fascinating history and is home to some of the most glorious landscapes anywhere in Eurasia.
It is a region that is likely to get under your skin. So be warned; a first visit to the Caucasus is unlikely to be the last.
How to book a trip
What to do in Georgia
Horse ride through Tusheti
Tusheti
With snaking ribbons of river glittering in the Georgian sunlight, high mountain passes, churning waterfalls and sudden plunging chasms, a ride through the undiscovered and largely unchanged mountains and villages of Tusheti is as much an expedition, as any ordinary horse holiday. Feel the freedom, joy and responsibility of taking your horse into a wild landscape bordering Chechnia and Dagistan, among an equally wild people, trailing a route across the most glorious high Georgian terrain.
Take a mud bath in Tbilisi
Tbilisi
Tbilisi literally means warm in Georgian and although this excursion may sound potentially dull, a visit to the city's ancient mud baths, to enjoy one of the favourite pastime of countless octogenarian Russian bureaucrats, is perhaps the best way of cooling the blood and invigorating the soul. Both the Greek historian Strabo and the French writer Alexander Dumas wrote about the therapeutic benefits of Tbilisi's sulphur springs and hot mud, which, inside a bath-house like a little mosque, gives a whole new bodily meaning to the daily face pack. Your skin will never stop thanking you, and probably in Georgian too!
Taste the wines of Telavi
Telavi
There are five famous wine gowing regions in Georgia and Telavi produces some of the best wines. Today go on a full day excursion in and around Telavi. First visit the farmer's market, then the Gremi Church and the Nekresi Monastery. Enjoy lunch in a village and taste local produced wine and food before driving to Shuamta Monastery. Later in the day you will also visit Alaverdi Cathedral and Ikalto Monastery before returning to Telavi.
Trek the mountains of Svaneti
Becho (Svaneti Region)
Although we don't make it the high-brow equivalent of your Book Club back home, the inspiration for much of what we do in the mountains of Georgia, comes from the pages of literature. Lermotov's A Hero of Our Time was and is the classic of the Caucasus, and although Lermontov himself ended his own journey in a duel at the tender age of just 26, among the region's astounding wild scenery, Wild Frontiers play a little of the alienated hero too, on foot and horseback, bringing some immortal characters back to life. Read it before you go!
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Where to stay in Georgia
Courtyard Marriott Tbilisi
Tbilisi
Located in the very heart of the city in Freedom Square, the Courtyard Tbilisi is only walking distance from the old...
Edelweiss Family Hotel
Bakuriani
Small family hotel located in the town of Bakuriani, offering simple but clean guesthouse type accommodation.
Old Tbilisi Hotel
Tbilisi
The four star Old Tbilisi Hotel is situated in the historical heart of Tbilisi. Built on the banks of the river...
Shardeni Hotel
Tbilisi
The three star Shardeni Hotel is a turn of the century European style building, ideally located in the centre of the...
Stepantsminda Hotel
Kazbegi
The Stepantsminda Hotel is located in the main square of the small town of Kazbegi, 150 km from Tbilisi. Built in 2002,...
Villa Mtiebi Hotel
Tbilisi
Located in the heart of the old town of Tbilisi, the three star Hotel Villa Mtiebi is only walking distance from most...
Alpine Hut Hotel
Gudauri
Situated in Gudauri ski resort, about 1.5 to 2 hours drive north from Tbilisi along the scenic Georgian Military...
Nino's Guesthouse
Mestia
This guesthouse offers some of the best available accommodation in the area with simple rooms, shared bathroom...
Hotel City
Tbilisi
Just a three minute walk from the Old Town, Hotel City is a small, family-run luxury hotel with 16 rooms all containing...
How to book a trip
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Georgia Travel Guide
Batumi
At the southern end of Georgia's Black Sea Coastline lies the seaside resort of Batumi, the capital of the province of Adjara, the warmest and wettest place in Georgia. Under Turkish rule in the 17th Century, Batumi was famous for its slave market, while in the 19th century under the Russians it was a free port. Today, apart from the commercial port area, there is a wide beachfront, the old town, rundown mansions and wooden houses, shady avenues, parks and outdoor cafes. A pleasant place for a one or two night stop. There are some lovely coastal drives outside Batumi, with citrus and tea plantations, and subtropical vegetation .
Kutaisi
Georgia's second city was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Colchis. It was here, according to legend, that Jason and his Argonauts came to steal the golden fleece. A hilly green city on the banks of the Rioni river, it has numerous interesting churches in particular Bagrat Cathedral.Less than 10km from Kutaisi on a beautiful hillside covered with forests is the Gelati Monastery complex. Founded in 1106 by king David the Builder it was intended as a royal monastery and an academy. The tomb of King David and his granddaughter Queen Tamara are located here.
Tbilisi
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia is a lively, charming city, built along the twisting valley of the river Mtkvari, and was for centuries was one of the greatest multi-cultural trading cities along the Silk Road. Elegant 19th century buildings line its leafy boulevards and in the old town, wooden houses with carved overhanging balconies hug the mountainside. Georgians are famed for their hospitality, love of good food and wine and Tbilisi has many good restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine.
Gudauri
Gudauri lies in the Kazbegi Region, 120km from capital Tbilisi, on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountain near the Cross Pass, at the height of 2,196 m. Intersecting the Military Highway it is also Georgia’s premier ski resort.
Telavi
Telavi, a country town with a population of around 28,000 is the capital of Kakheti, the main wine growing region of Georgia. There are two good reasons for visiting this area, the old churches in the pleasant and green countryside, and the wine. The Kakhetians are known for their conviviality and rare is the visitor who can stay sober for long.The main sight in the town centre is the palace of Herekle built in the 18th century. Its grounds now house a history museum, art gallery, the royal church of Herekle and the remains of a basilica.
Kazbegi
Kazbegi town sits in the lee of Mount Kazbegi (5047m), in the heart of the Grand Caucasus and is one of the most picturesque places in Eurasia. From here you can do some fabulous walks, up to the Gergeti Church, into the Truso Gorge or further up the Georgian Military Highway to see the Dariali Gorge and the border with Russia, made famous by Lermentov in his 19th century classic Hero of Our Time. Or, if travelling on one of our Short Walks, you can travel east up a side valley to Juta and from there head over the 3,300m Abdularie Pass and down into Khevsureti. This is where the true beauty and culture of rural Georgia kicks in, where hospitality is the creed and a laid back way of life the norm. For most people, a journey up into the mountains represents the highlight of their trip to Georgia.
Becho (Svaneti Region)
Travelling through the high mountain villages of Svaneti, the Spirit of knighthood, preserved here for centuries comes alive. Deep river gorges, narrow paths, house - towers, tiny, swift Caucasian horses, wild horsemen, folk bards, mystical rituals, cults of fire and spirits and ancient fairy-tales here harmoniously blend. This land is unique in terms of beautiful landscapes, remote traditions, superb architecture of Svan house-towers, churches richly decorated with mural painting and hospitable people. It was here that most of Colchis gold was obtained. For centuries the Svan ethnic group evolved there, cut off from the outside world by the high and inaccessible mountains, their culture preserved almost intact. In earlier centuries, Svaneti was a recognized part of the Kingdom of Colchis.
Mestia
This highland town is situated in the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of 1500m. It is the main town and cultural heart of the Svan people. Though their language is different to Georgian, the Svan epitomise all that is Georgian and represent the heart of Georgian culture. Until 1935 the town was completely isolated and today it still feels remote and inaccessible. Mestia is dominated by stone defensive towers and a collection of unique icons and manuscripts are kept in Mestia Historical-Ethnographic Museum. The town is also a centre of mountaineering tourism and alpinism.
Kazbegi
Kazbegi town sits in the lee of Mount Kazbegi (5047m), in the heart of the Grand Caucasus and is one of the most picturesque places in Eurasia. From here you can do some fabulous walks, up to the Gergeti Church, into the Truso Gorge or further up the Georgian Military Highway to see the Dariali Gorge and the border with Russia, made famous by Lermentov in his 19th century classic Hero of Our Time. Or, if travelling on one of our Short Walks, you can travel east up a side valley to Juta and from there head over the 3,300m Abdularie Pass and down into Khevsureti. This is where the true beauty and culture of rural Georgia kicks in, where hospitality is the creed and a laid back way of life the norm. For most people, a journey up into the mountains represents the highlight of their trip to Georgia.
Uplistsikhe
This fascinating cave town is one of the oldest settlements in Georgia. It was inhabited for the first time in the Bronze Age around 1000BC but developed mainly in the 6th to 1st century BC. As the main Asia-to-Europe caravan trade route passed by along the Mtkvari River it was also a major centre on the Silk Road and, before Christianity was bought to Georgia in the 4th century AD, a special site for pagan worship. At the complex there is a theatre, pharmacy, bar and wine shop, temples and a multitude of homes. At its peak 20,000 people lived here. (Not visited on the Across the Caucasus tour).
Vardzia
This 12th century medieval cave city was originally set up as a fort by King Giorgi III. It was when is daughter, Queen Tamar, built a monastery here that its purpose changed from military to religious, and helped it grow into a city of 50,000 people. It is said that Queen Tamar was responsible for naming the place… while out hunting with her father she became separated from the main group and it was only after one of the soldiers heard her call ‘Ak var dzia’ (I am here) that she was found. Climbing over 13 stories and stretching for more than a kilometre, the site is packed with churches, homes, theatres and shops and represents not only one of the highlights of a trip to Georgia but also a cultural symbol with a special place in the hearts of the Georgian people.
How to book a trip
Georgia Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders do not require a visa to visit Georgia, although your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their website at www.travel-general.com or call 0845 408 0583.
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Georgia, although you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present in some parts of Georgia so we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
